Sri Lanka Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Sri Lanka
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated October 9, 2025
Sri Lanka recorded 3.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2019, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Sri Lanka #90 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 37% over the past decade (from 5.3 in 2009). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Sri Lanka at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#106 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2019
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2019)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 37% over the past decade (from 5.3 in 2009). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Sri Lanka Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Sri Lanka, the homicide rate for men is 2.1× higher than the rate for women — 4.5 vs 2.1 per 100,000 (2019).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Sri Lanka:
There were no changes to the advisory level. The Other risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to unrest , terrorism, and landmines. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary: Demonstrations Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka can happen at any time. Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones. Protests could turn violent with little or no warning. Terrorism Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Sri Lanka Population & Demographics
Population of 21,916,000, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sri Lanka safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Sri Lanka at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 3.3 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has an intentional homicide rate of 3.3 per 100,000 people (2019, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #90 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Sri Lanka compare to other countries?
Sri Lanka's homicide rate of 3.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.